Ekiti State Governor,Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged substantial investment in sports development to elevate local talents to national and global prominence while fostering wealth creation. The governor made this commitment on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of a multimillion-naira Indoor Sports Complex in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji described sports as a powerful tool for eradicating poverty, reducing unemployment, and combating crime. He emphasized that his administration would broaden opportunities for Ekiti’s youth, who possess significant potential in various sports disciplines. The project aligns with the administration’s Human Capital Development, Job Creation, and Youth Development pillars, focusing on building profitable careers for young people across different sectors.
Praising Ekiti athletes for their dedication, Oyebanji stated, “Despite training under challenging conditions, you continue to win laurels for our state. This project fulfills my campaign promise to take sports management out of the Ministry and elevate it to a full-fledged Commission.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s vision of creating world-class athletes, noting, “We are not just building an indoor sports complex but a center of excellence where talents are discovered, nurtured, and developed to a global level. The facility will be equipped with top-notch equipment and staffed with the best coaches.”
Commending Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for constructing stadia in the Ekiti Central District, Oyebanji remarked that these initiatives would complement the government’s strides in the sector.
Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports Development, expressed confidence that the facility would help curb youth involvement in internet fraud and crime by providing a constructive outlet for their talents.
Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the governor’s Technical Advisor on Sports, highlighted the facility’s potential to engage youth and showcase their skills in local and international competitions. He noted that Oyebanji’s administration had bolstered financial support for sports by establishing the Ekiti State Sports Commission, granting the sector greater autonomy and resources.
The indoor sports complex will host events like baseball, volleyball, and modern gymnastics, with the capability to attract national competitions that could stimulate the local economy. Dr. Osetoba lauded the administration’s efforts to position Ekiti as a sports hub in Nigeria, offering young athletes a path to fame and financial success.
